. The Graduation Requirement: Nuts and Bolts

Requirement Principles

• Students provide service to others for at least 100 hours;
• Students will receive credit for service completed only with non-profit organizations only;
• Students should turn in service verification in a timely manner (within 6 months of participating in the service) for full credit. Late hours should always be submitted, though students should keep in mind that after 6 months partial credit will be given;
• Within this 100 hour requirement, students must include participation in a Core Service Project;
• Students must complete service between first day of Freshman year and Registration Day of their Senior year (requirement is due upon start of senior year).

• For Policies and Definitions, click here
• For the Process of the Requirement, click here

 

Non-credited Service Activities

• Ministry during religious services (such as altar serving, liturgical ministry, eucharistic ministry and music ministry) is not credited as part of SI's graduation requirement. SI believes participating in religous services in this way is important ministry as part of a faith community. If a parish wants to write a letter of commendation to be included in a student's service file, please encourage them to do so.
• Service with a BUSINESS OR FOR A PERSON is not credited to the graduation requirement.  Only service to nonprofit organizations is credited for the graduation requirement.
• Political action and fundraising efforts are not a focus of our requirement. If a student is actively involved in such volunteerism, please come speak with Christian Service staff. Often an exception may be made by crediting up to 10% of the student’s total service commitment with these hours (no more than 10 hours per 100 hours volunteered

 

Core Service Project Student must serve beyond own parish or immediate community; Student should provide hands-on service to others in need by volunteering for an organization that embraces a social justice mission; Core Projects can be any length as determined by each student. However, the project must be 40 hours or longer in length; Each student must remain with their core organization during the entire duration of the project; As a student does their Core Project, they must utilize and complete a SI core reflection journal. Thus, obtaining a core journal is a required aspect of this project;

The Core Process  Requires: Pre-Approval Application: which must be signed by student, parent and nonprofit agency. This form must be submitted to the CS Office prior to a Core Project beginning; Placement at a nonprofit organization whose mission focuses on social justice. Most students volunteer with pre-approved Core agencies. A Complete and Thorough Journal Reflection; Post-Service Verification which is turned in at the CS Office

 

More on Core Service
Core Service is a vital part of the Christian Service Requirement. Students are encouraged to participate in service with one of the many agencies affiliated with SI as a Core Agency.

Lists of core agencies are avaliable at the CS Office. We have over 200 agencies listed in our office database. We also list our top 30 agencies (as recommended by students) on this website.

If a student wishes to volunteer with an organization that is not affiliated (and pre-approved) with SI, they must submit a petition form along with the standard Core Project Application. The Petition helps students make a case as to why their volunteer service with this agency should be approved as core volunteering. ALL volunteer activity outside of the SF Bay Area (mission trips abroad etc.) must include a Core Petition. The CS Office reserves the right to determine core status of these agencies.

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For Policies and Definitions, click here.

For the Process of the Requirement, click here

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Support Service
Support Service is all other service activities not linked into a Core Project. How much support service a student must do will ultimately depend on the length of their Core Project.

Some Common Types of Support Service

• Volunteer activities at student’s home elementary school such as coaching or tutoring;
• Volunteer activities that are organized through St. Ignatius clubs, sports or classes;
• Coaching activities with St Ignatius sports camps, any Park and Recreation program,  YMCA or YWCA program,  Boys and Girls Club programs,  and Boy Scout programs etc. (some coaching may be approved as core service, always ask at the CS Office if there are any questions);
• Faith-based service such as helping at annual parish festivals, leading confirmation classes, retreats (ministry during religious ceremonies are not given credit towards the requirement).

 

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Steps to Make it Happen: Suggestions for Getting Involved in Service!!

These are suggestions from the CS Office for how students can get involved in service AND work towards successful completion of their Graduation Requirement. Each student is unique and will complete their requirement in their own way; However, the following hints are to help students (and their parents) map out a strategy for getting involved through volunteer activities.

FRESHMAN YEAR

1. Learn where the CS Office is located in the Student Activities Center
2. Come By and Say Hi: we can show you where you will find forms and agency volunteer listings!!
3. In Religion Class you will have an overview of SI’s Service Requirement in December/January. At that time you will be asked to make your Commitment to Service. Don’t forget to turn in this commitment when it is due.
4. Do Support Service: get involved in your parish or back at your elementary school. Remember to turn in hours forms!

SOPHOMORE YEAR

1. Hopefully you did some support service over the summer. Turn in your service hours forms.
2. Start considering your core service during first semester: drop by and meet with Ms. Girard to learn about core agencies that need help.
3. Try to aim for at least 50 hours of service during this year (support or core) in order to stay on track for your requirement
4. In March, make a point to attend our Agency Fair.

 

JUNIOR YEAR

1. You should have participated in some service by this point. Turn in your service hours forms!
2. By November, if you are interested in the Immersion Program--your graduation requirement will be due
3. During the first semester, you must start planning your core service. Meet with Ms. Girard to learn about agency needs.
4. Deadline to register for core service will be in May. You must register by May if you plan to do Core Service with a journal.